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How to Get an Order of Protection in Arkansas

Reviewed by DocDraft Legal Team · Arkansas · Last updated September 17, 2026

In Arkansas, an Order of Protection is a civil order signed by a circuit judge that directs an abuser to stop the abuse, stay away from you, and have no contact, issued under the Domestic Abuse Act of 1991 (Ark. Code 9-15-101 and following). Arkansas stands out for the length of protection available: a final Order of Protection runs for a fixed period of not less than 90 days and not more than 10 years, and it can be renewed (Ark. Code 9-15-205). You seek one when a family or household member has harmed you, threatened you, or put you in fear of imminent harm. You file a verified petition with the circuit court in the county where you live, where the abuse happened, or where the respondent can be served (Ark. Code 9-15-201). There is no filing fee, service cost, or bond for the person seeking protection (Ark. Code 9-15-202). If your petition shows an immediate and present danger, the court can grant an ex parte temporary order the same day, without the other person present, and it stays in effect until your hearing (Ark. Code 9-15-206). The court must hold that hearing not later than 30 days after you file, or at the next court date (Ark. Code 9-15-204). If you are in immediate danger, call 911; the National Domestic Violence Hotline is available at 1-800-799-7233. Attorney review of your petition is available through DocDraft.

Find out where you stand in Arkansas

Where are you in getting a restraining order?

DocDraft provides document preparation, not legal advice.

How do I get an Order of Protection in Arkansas?

File a verified Petition for Order of Protection with the circuit court in the county where you live, where the abuse happened, or where the respondent can be served (Ark. Code 9-15-201). There is no filing fee or service cost for the person seeking protection (Ark. Code 9-15-202).

How long does it take to get an Order of Protection in Arkansas?

If your petition alleges an immediate and present danger of domestic abuse, a circuit judge can sign an ex parte temporary order of protection the same day, without the other person present (Ark. Code 9-15-206). The court then holds a full hearing within 30 days of filing (Ark. Code 9-15-204).

How long does an Order of Protection last in Arkansas?

A final Order of Protection is granted for a fixed period of not less than 90 days and not more than 10 years, at the judge's discretion (Ark. Code 9-15-205). It can be renewed at a later hearing if the court finds the threat of domestic abuse still exists.

Which court handles Orders of Protection in Arkansas?

Petitions are filed in the circuit court (Ark. Code 9-15-201). You can file in the county where you live, where the incident of abuse occurred, or where the respondent may be served. The circuit clerk provides the petition and related forms for a domestic abuse order of protection.

Arkansas Order of Protection law at a glance

In Arkansas, an Order of Protection is a civil order a circuit judge signs to stop a family or household member from abusing, threatening, or contacting you, issued under the Domestic Abuse Act of 1991 (Ark. Code 9-15-101 and following). You file a verified petition with the circuit court, and there is no filing fee, service cost, or bond for the person seeking protection (Ark. Code 9-15-202). If your petition shows an immediate and present danger, the judge can grant an ex parte temporary order the same day, and it stays in effect until your hearing (Ark. Code 9-15-206). That hearing is held within 30 days of filing (Ark. Code 9-15-204). A final order runs for a fixed period of not less than 90 days and not more than 10 years, and it can be renewed (Ark. Code 9-15-205).

Getting an Arkansas Order of Protection after threats from an ex-partner

Because an Arkansas Order of Protection can run for as long as 10 years, it is worth preparing your petition carefully. Suppose a former partner who lived with you has been threatening you and showing up at your home. You complete a verified Petition for Order of Protection, describe the threats with dates, and file it with the circuit clerk at no cost (Ark. Code 9-15-202). Because your petition shows an immediate and present danger, the judge signs an ex parte temporary order the same day and sets a hearing within 30 days (Ark. Code 9-15-206, 9-15-204). Law enforcement serves your ex. At the hearing you show the messages and testify, and the judge grants a two-year Order of Protection (Ark. Code 9-15-205). You keep a copy with you. Attorney review of your petition is available through DocDraft.

Relevant Laws

Ark. Code 9-15-206 (ex parte temporary order of protection)

Authorizes the court to grant a temporary order of protection pending a full hearing when the petition alleges an immediate and present danger of domestic abuse, and provides that an ex parte temporary order of protection is effective until the date of the hearing described in 9-15-204. [re-confirm against primary .gov]

Ark. Code 9-15-204 (hearing within 30 days)

Provides that when a petition for an order of protection is filed, the court shall order a hearing to be held not later than thirty days from the date the petition is filed, or at the next court date, whichever is later. [re-confirm against primary .gov]

Ark. Code 9-15-205 (duration and renewal)

Provides that relief granted for protection shall be for a fixed period of time not less than ninety days nor more than ten years, in the discretion of the court, and may be renewed at a subsequent hearing upon proof and a finding by the court that the threat of domestic abuse still exists. [re-confirm against primary .gov]

Ark. Code 9-15-202 (no filing fee or cost to the abused)

Provides that the court, clerks of the court, and law enforcement agencies shall not require initial filing fees or service costs, and that the abused in a domestic violence petition for a protection order shall not bear the cost of its filing or the costs of issuance or service of a warrant and witness subpoena. [re-confirm against primary .gov]

Regional Variances

Arkansas Order of Protection rules at a glance

Order name

Order of Protection, issued under the Domestic Abuse Act of 1991 (Ark. Code 9-15-101 and following). Arkansas also offers other civil remedies, but the Order of Protection is the domestic abuse path for family or household members.

Where to file

The circuit court, in the county where you live, where the incident of abuse occurred, or where the respondent may be served (Ark. Code 9-15-201). There is no filing fee or service cost for the person seeking protection (Ark. Code 9-15-202).

Emergency and temporary orders

If the petition alleges an immediate and present danger, the court can grant an ex parte temporary order of protection the same day, without the other person present. It stays in effect until the hearing (Ark. Code 9-15-206).

Final order duration

After a hearing held within 30 days of filing (Ark. Code 9-15-204), a final order runs for a fixed period of not less than 90 days and not more than 10 years, and it can be renewed (Ark. Code 9-15-205).

Main form

A verified Petition for Order of Protection, usually filed with an affidavit, a domestic relations cover sheet, and a confidential information sheet. The circuit clerk provides the forms, and advocates can help at no charge.

Suggested Compliance Checklist

Complete the Petition for Order of Protection

As soon as possible after the abuse days after starting

Fill out a verified Petition for Order of Protection describing the abuse, your relationship, and specific dates, along with the affidavit and confidential information sheet from the circuit clerk. Domestic violence advocates can help you at no charge. Attorney review of your petition is available through DocDraft.

File your petition with the circuit court

Same day you finish the forms days after starting

File your signed, notarized petition with the circuit clerk in the county where you live, where the abuse happened, or where the respondent can be served (Ark. Code 9-15-201). There is no filing fee or service cost for the person seeking protection (Ark. Code 9-15-202).

Ask for an ex parte temporary order and carry it

Same day the judge signs it days after starting

If you are in immediate and present danger, ask for an ex parte temporary order of protection (Ark. Code 9-15-206). Get the signed order, keep a copy with you, and note your hearing date. The temporary order stays in effect until the hearing.

Arrange service on the respondent

Before the hearing days after starting

Law enforcement must serve the respondent with your petition, the temporary order, and the notice of hearing before the court can enter a final order. You do not pay the service cost (Ark. Code 9-15-202). Confirm service was completed before your hearing date.

Attend the hearing within 30 days

On the hearing date set by the court days after starting

The court holds the hearing not later than 30 days after you file (Ark. Code 9-15-204). Bring photos, messages, and any witnesses. Both sides can testify, and the judge decides whether to issue a final Order of Protection. If you miss it, your temporary order can expire.

Track the expiration and renew if needed

Before the order expires (90 days to 10 years out) days after starting

A final order runs for a fixed period of not less than 90 days and not more than 10 years (Ark. Code 9-15-205). Calendar the expiration date and file to renew before it ends. Renewal requires proof and a finding that the threat of domestic abuse still exists.

Frequently Asked Questions

Nothing to the person seeking protection. Arkansas Code 9-15-202 provides that the abused shall not bear the cost of filing a domestic violence petition for a protection order, or the costs of issuing or serving a warrant and witness subpoena. Courts and clerks cannot require initial filing fees or service costs.

A victim of domestic abuse by a family or household member can file. That covers a current or former spouse, a person you live with or lived with, a dating partner, a co-parent, and relatives by blood or marriage. A parent or guardian may file on behalf of a minor.

You file a verified Petition for Order of Protection, usually along with an affidavit, a domestic relations cover sheet, and a confidential information sheet. The circuit clerk provides these forms. Domestic violence programs and advocates in Arkansas can help you complete and file the paperwork at no charge.

The court holds the hearing within 30 days of filing (Ark. Code 9-15-204). Both you and the respondent can appear, present evidence, and testify. The judge decides whether domestic abuse occurred and whether to issue a final Order of Protection, and sets its terms and its length, from 90 days to 10 years.

Yes. Arkansas Code 9-15-205 provides that a protection order may be renewed at a subsequent hearing upon proof and a finding by the court that the threat of domestic abuse still exists. Ask the court to renew before your current order expires, and keep evidence of the ongoing threat.

Violating an Order of Protection is a crime in Arkansas. Call the police, who can arrest the person, and the court can also hold the person in contempt. Keep a copy of your order with you at all times, report every violation, and write down the date and what happened.

Yes. The respondent must be served with your petition, any temporary order, and the notice of hearing before the court can enter a final order. Law enforcement serves the papers, and the person seeking protection does not pay the service cost (Ark. Code 9-15-202). Service lets the hearing go forward.

No. Arkansas circuit courts let people request an Order of Protection on their own, and the circuit clerk provides the forms. Domestic violence advocates and shelters can help you file at no cost. Legal help can be useful if the case is contested or the respondent has an attorney.

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